Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S12.55

Other traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra

ICD-10-CM Code:
S12.55
ICD-10 Code for:
Other traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the neck
      (S10-S19)
      • Fracture of cervical vertebra and other parts of neck
        (S12)

S12.55 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra

Non-specific codes like S12.55 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra:

  • S12.550 for Other traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.550A for initial encounter for closed fracture - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.550B for initial encounter for open fracture - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.550D for subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.550G for subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.550K for subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.550S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S12.551 for Other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.551A for initial encounter for closed fracture - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.551B for initial encounter for open fracture - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.551D for subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.551G for subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.551K for subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S12.551S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Fracture of cervical vertebra and other parts of neck (S12). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient Education


Neck Injuries and Disorders

Any part of your neck - muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves - can cause neck problems. Neck pain is very common. Pain may also come from your shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.

Muscle strain or tension often causes neck pain. The problem is usually overuse, such as from sitting at a computer for too long. Sometimes you can strain your neck muscles from sleeping in an awkward position or overdoing it during exercise. Falls or accidents, including car accidents, are another common cause of neck pain. Whiplash, a soft tissue injury to the neck, is also called neck sprain or strain.

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include applying ice, taking pain relievers, getting physical therapy or wearing a cervical collar. You rarely need surgery.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Spine Injuries and Disorders

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:

  • Infections
  • Injuries
  • Tumors
  • Conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosis
  • Bone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated disks

Spinal diseases often cause pain when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. They can also limit movement. Treatments differ by disease, but sometimes they include back braces and surgery.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.